Sources of Constantinople’s Strength

No particular order of importance as the strength lies in the combination of all of these

TRADE

• Goods from all over the world attract people, more goods, and money/wealth– Russia (Kiev) to the north– Egypt, which itself is a caravan destination

for goods from all over northern Africa– Asia -- end point of the Silk Road (silk,

fabrics, spices, gems, silver & gold

TAXES

• Taxes are charged on all goods coming into the city bringing much wealth.

• There is little spent to collect these taxes - thus it is “easy money”

LOCATION

• Crossroads (“one foot in Europe, one foot in Asia”)

• Sea routes connecting the Black and Mediterranean Seas

• Land routes from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa

• NOTE the map that we studied

MILITARY

• Considered the strongest army in the world

• Powerful navy as well - Greek Fire

• This strength makes it a safe place, thus protecting the people, goods, and wealth

RULERS

• Their leaders reform laws

• Their leaders place emphasis on education

• They are blessed with strong and wise rulers

FORTIFICATIONS

• The amazing system of walls along with the extensive use of aqueducts and cisterns make it safe from attack